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Tripura Tribal Council Polls See Only 8 Women Among 173 Candidates

The upcoming elections for the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council feature a stark gender gap, with only eight women among 173 candidates. Major political parties, including the BJP, TMP, CPI(M), and Congress, have fielded just one woman candidate each. The TTAADC is a crucial constitutional body governing most of Tripura's area and a predominantly tribal population. The polls are contested by all major state parties, with the Tipra Motha Party seeking to retain power it won in 2021.

Key Points: Tripura Tribal Council Polls: Low Female Candidate Representation

  • Only 4.62% candidates are women
  • Major parties fielded just one woman each
  • Council administers two-thirds of Tripura
  • TMP has been in power since 2021
2 min read

Key Tripura tribal council polls see just 8 women among 173 candidates

Only 8 women are contesting the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council elections among 173 candidates, highlighting a gender representation gap.

"only eight women candidates are in the fray - Tripura State Election Commission"

Agartala, April 2

In a clear sign of low female representation, only 4.62 per cent of the 173 candidates contesting the April 12 elections to the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council are women.

The autonomous council, set up in 1982 to promote the socio-economic development of tribal communities, is regarded as the state's second most important constitutional body after the Assembly.

Officials of the Tripura State Election Commission (SEC), which is conducting the polls, said only eight women candidates are in the fray. Among the major parties, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, its ally Tipra Motha Party (TMP), the Communist Party of India (Marxist), and the Congress have fielded one woman each.

The Indigenous People's Front of Tripura (IPFT) has nominated three women, while one woman is contesting as an Independent.

The TMP and the IPFT, both tribal-based parties and allies of the BJP, are contesting separately after failing to reach a seat-sharing agreement.

In the 2021 TTAADC elections, six women had contested, of whom two - Swapna Rani Das and Dolly Reang - were elected. The 30-member council comprises 28 elected members and two nominated by the state government.

The TTAADC administers nearly two-thirds of Tripura's geographical area of 10,491 sq km and serves a population of over 12.16 lakh, about 84 per cent of whom belong to indigenous tribal communities. This makes it a key institution in the state's political structure.

The elections have drawn all major political players, including the BJP, the CPI(M)-led Left Front, and the Congress. Regional parties such as the TMP and the IPFT, along with several smaller outfits and Independent candidates, are also in the contest.

According to SEC officials, the BJP, TMP, and the Left Front have fielded candidates in all 28 seats. The Congress is contesting 27 seats, while the IPFT has put up candidates in 24. In addition, 38 Independents and nominees from smaller parties are in the race.

The Tipra Motha Party has been in power in the TTAADC since 2021. In the last elections, it emerged as the dominant force by winning 18 seats and taking control of the council from the CPI(M). The BJP had contested 11 seats and won nine, while a BJP-backed Independent also secured victory and later joined the TMP.

Tribals make up nearly one-third of Tripura's 42 lakh population and continue to play a decisive role in the state's political landscape.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While the numbers are low, it's a slight improvement from 2021 (6 women candidates then). Hopefully, more will get elected this time. Change is slow but happening. The IPFT fielding 3 women is a positive step among the regional parties.
A
Aman W
The focus should be on who can deliver development for tribal areas, regardless of gender. But parties must actively encourage and support qualified women to contest. Merely having one token woman candidate per major party isn't enough for real inclusion.
S
Sarah B
As someone interested in NE politics, this is a critical issue. The TTAADC governs a huge area and population. If 84% are from indigenous communities, shouldn't half of that—the women—have a fair say in their own council? The math doesn't add up. 🤔
K
Karthik V
Respectfully, the parties are missing a big opportunity. Women voters are a powerful force. Fielding more credible women candidates isn't just about equality; it's smart politics. Hope to see more Dolly Reangs and Swapna Rani Dases stepping up and winning!
N
Nisha Z
It's 2024. We talk about Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, but what about Beti Rajneeti Karo? The system needs to change from the ground up—more training, funding, and support for women in local politics, especially in tribal areas. This figure is a wake-up call.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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